Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Building Safety Stairway Exceptions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Subcommittee advances single-stair exception for certain midrise housing with fire-safety guardrails
Summary
The Senate Subcommittee on Housing voted to recommend passage, with amendments, of a bill that would allow a single stairway in residential buildings up to six stories provided specified fire-safety conditions are met.
The Senate Subcommittee on Housing voted to recommend passage, with amendments, of a bill that would allow a single stairway in residential buildings up to six stories provided specified fire-safety conditions are met.
The amended language narrows the earlier draft by incorporating the State Fire Marshal’s concerns: the single-stair option is limited to buildings that are fully sprinklered and that meet a per-floor area limit on the first floors (committee discussion referenced a 4,000-square-foot threshold on the first four floors). The amendment reduced an earlier floor-area allowance in the bill and tied the exception to sprinkler systems and exit-distance standards.
Why it matters: Proponents said allowing a single stairway in certain buildings can lower construction costs and free up interior space for units, helping reduce housing costs. Opponents — including some municipal building officials and the Municipal Association — cautioned that stairways and egress requirements exist for safety reasons and said the amended language should be publicly available for municipal review before a final position is taken.
What was said: A Municipal Association representative (Brody) told the committee they had not completed internal review of the amended language and could not yet change their position; the State Fire Marshal informed members his concerns had been addressed by the amendment. One senator noted that other countries allow single-stair designs to greater heights, but the subcommittee adopted the narrower approach recommended by the Fire Marshal.
Committee action: The subcommittee voted to recommend SB 282 ought to pass as amended; senators indicated the amended text would be available prior to a fuller review and that the measure would next move toward a February hearing or floor consideration.
Next steps: The subcommittee expects the amended language to be posted publicly so municipal building officials and stakeholders can review it ahead of further action.
